Punjab Government Shifts Focus To Mental Health In Drug Recovery: Psychologists And Psychiatrists To Be Recruited

Punjab shifts focus to mental health in drug recovery, recruiting psychologists and psychiatrists to offer holistic de-addiction support. This targets a critical gap in addiction treatment.

Punjab targets drug abuse: Psychologists, psychiatrists to boost recovery.

Source : Special Arrangement

In a decisive policy move aimed at strengthening its ongoing battle against drug abuse, the Punjab Government has announced the recruitment of psychologists and psychiatrists to support the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from substance use disorders. The initiative is a part of the state’s broader strategy to create a more holistic and sustainable de-addiction infrastructure.

This marks a significant shift from a law-enforcement-dominated approach to one that recognises addiction as a complex public health issue requiring medical, psychological, and social intervention.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Addiction Recovery

While Punjab has made significant strides in expanding the network of OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) centres, de-addiction facilities, and awareness campaigns, the absence of specialised mental health professionals has remained a persistent gap in the recovery pipeline.

Experts in public health and addiction medicine have repeatedly underscored the importance of trained mental health practitioners in addressing the psychological root causes of addiction, managing co-occurring disorders, and reducing relapse rates.

Announcing the initiative, a senior health department official stated:

“Addiction is not just a medical condition but a psychological one as well. The recruitment of qualified psychologists and psychiatrists will ensure that individuals undergoing treatment receive comprehensive care both physical and mental.”

Strategic Strengthening of De-addiction Infrastructure

The government plans to place newly recruited professionals across government hospitals, community health centres, OOAT clinics, and de-addiction centres in high-burden districts. The focus will be on ensuring availability of counselling, therapy, and psychiatric evaluation throughout the recovery process.

The move is aligned with recommendations from the Department of Social Security and Health, as well as various national and international studies on substance use, which advocate for integrated mental health support in addiction treatment.

The recruitment process is expected to be fast-tracked, with emphasis on:

• Clinical psychologists with addiction counselling expertise
• Psychiatrists experienced in managing withdrawal, dual diagnoses, and mental health disorders
• Training and capacity building for existing staff to improve mental health awareness at the grassroots

A Model for Holistic Public Health Policy

Punjab’s drug crisis, particularly among its youth population, has long been a matter of national concern. According to data from the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), opioid and synthetic drug use has seen a marked rise in the northern region, with Punjab consistently registering among the highest burden states.

This initiative is likely to serve as a model for other states battling similar issues, as it aligns with the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and India's commitment to a more evidence-based, rights-oriented approach to addiction recovery.

Political and Administrative Backing

The move has received backing from both Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and senior officials in the Health and Family Welfare Department, reflecting a political will to go beyond short-term enforcement solutions.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh recently emphasised in a public address:

“We are committed not only to breaking the supply chain of drugs but also to ensuring that victims of addiction are treated with dignity and science-backed support. Mental health is the missing link, and we are closing that gap.”

A Paradigm Shift in Punjab’s Anti-Drug Policy

By bringing mental health professionals into the frontlines of addiction treatment, the Punjab Government is taking a progressive and nationally relevant step. The approach signals a shift towards patient-centric care, where recovery is not just about detoxification, but long-term healing, reintegration, and dignity.

As the recruitment drive unfolds, it will be closely watched not only within Punjab but across states facing similar challenges, potentially setting a benchmark for integrated, modern public health interventions in addiction care.

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